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During the party season, cocktail parties are one way to see a large number of friends for a short time, share holiday wishes, and do it without a huge amount of effort.

Shaken, or stirred? James Bond notwithstanding, there's a time to shake and a time to stir, but never the twain should meet.

Shake it when you want a frothy emulsion, an eggnog or frappe. There are lots of cocktail shakers on the market, from the classic silver martini shaker to the flippable oston shaker -- basically a tall glass and a smaller glass to invert. If you want a pitcher of bellinis or margaritas to get the party started, park your blender on the kitchen counter and go for it.

Stir the drink when you want your libation crystal clear and unbruised. The classic martini will be gently stirred to avoid bruising the gin (though some bartenders will argue this point).

- The pre-mix cocktail base: Some people like to take the stress out of bartending by using a pre-mix, and there are many available in liquor stores and supermarkets. A new one this season is Stirrings, a bottled pre-mix containing fruit juice concentrate, lemon juice and simple syrup. The same company produces its own line of rimmers made with fruit concentrates. Stirrings is available in several flavours, including apple martini, pomegranate martini, mojito, mango margarita, lemon drop, tangerini and a traditional margarita mix.

Here are seven house cocktails from scratch:

- Adam's Apple: Into a large pitcher pour two 12-ounce (355-mL) cans frozen apple juice, undiluted; 2 cups (500 mL) green apple liqueur and 2 cups (500 mL) brandy. Chill well. For each drink, half fill a glass with ice. Pour 2 ounces (60 mL) of apple mixture over it and top up with white grape juice. Garnish with a thin slice of Granny Smith floating on the surface. Drop in a cinnamon heart.

- The Pomtini: This is nothing like a martini, except for the name. It's a refreshing, festive beginning to an evening. In a pitcher, combine 4 cups (1 L) pure pomegranate juice with the juice of 1 lime and 1 orange. For each drink, put a small amount of the fruit mixture in a wine glass and top up with chilled chardonnay. Garnish with frozen cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds.

- The Pom Sparkler: Freeze a small amount of pomegranate syrup in the bottom of champagne flutes. Top up with a dry sparkling wine such as a Spanish cava.

- The Fruit Spritzer: This is a mocktail -- festive and delicious for those who don't drink alcohol. Start with a generous splash of pure pomegranate juice over ice. Top up with soda, ginger ale or tonic water. Garnish with an orange or lime wedge.

- The Creamsicle: In a large pitcher, pour two parts orange juice, two parts vodka, one part Galliano liqueur, 1 part whipping cream. Stir well. To serve, pour 3/4 cup (175 mL) over ice in a shaker. Shake briskly and strain into a glass. Do not overfill -- the froth will rise. Garnish with an orange slice.

- The Classic Caesar: Have a large pitcher of spicy Clamato juice handy, a bottle of good unflavoured vodka, a rimmer salt, and fresh leafy celery or pickled asparagus. Pour 1-11/2 ounces (30-45 mL)of vodka per drink over ice, top up with Clamato, and garnish with celery.

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